Firstly my myeloma status. On Tuesday, for the 3rd month in a row my consultant confirmed that my paraprotein level was 4. Having had a plateau of 5 for so many months, it is possible that I now have an even lower one. The consultant also checked my Free Light Chain Assay (now referred to as LITEs). This test is being increasingly used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for myeloma. It is understood to be more sensitive than the paraprotein level. There are two important measures: the finite value and the ratio between the two light chain readings. My LITEs for the last two months have been the lowest since first measured. All this indicates that I'm doing very well - and I feel excellent.
That shiny pilot's licence that I mentioned last month has arrived from our CAA. Now I just need to identify a suitable aircraft.
The highlight of our month has been a visit by my cousin and her husband who live in Tasmania. It was wonderful to have them stay with us and to spend the time getting to know them both. My cousin had expressed the wish to visit a real pub. Now where I live, in a tourist dominated area, real pubs are hard to find. Most establishments have little history, serve packet food, and lager (yuck!). Fortunately I know of one pub, tucked away in a nearby village which is frequented by locals (always a good indicator), serves truly excellent value food, and offers a variety of genuine cask beers (and ciders). It seems that the landlord is a former brewmaster - and it shows.
No picture this month - but very good news.
This month's thought: The difference between try and triumph is a little umph
Keep well and KBO
Stephen
